Fishers to detail Olympic Dam impact

Fishermen will today release details about how the Olympic Dam expansion will impact on their industry in Upper Spencer Gulf.

BHP Billiton plans to build a desalination plant at Point Lowly as part of the expansion after releasing a supplementary environmental impact statement.

The Spencer Gulf and West Coast Prawn Fishermen's Association has conducted its own scientific review into the statement.

Dr Gary Morgan from the review team says the industry and the environment must be protected.

"The industry produces about $50-55 million a year and don't forget, this is to a regional economy, so this is extremely important for the Eyre regional economy and most importantly, this contribution to the economy is based on sustainable use of a resource," he said.